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Casserly knocks Campbell
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
10/26/09 10:39 AM EDT
Former Redskins general manager Charley Casserly, on the CBS pre-game show Sunday, pegged Jason Campbell as the reason for Washington's offensive struggles. Then he pointed to four plays that showed Campbell's indeciseveness and decision-making.
When asked what the problem was in Washington, Casserly said, "It has nothing to do with play-calling. It has to do with Jason Campbell's play at quarterback. He's too indecisive. He doesn't trust what his eyes see."
Later, Casserly said, "Here's the bigger issue. When Campbell was drafted he was drafted for the Joe Gibbs offense, which is more of a downfield passing game. He does not fit the West Coast offense, which is a quick rhythm passing game. ... He's a square peg trying to fit into a round hole. He doesn't fit the system and that's the bottom line."
A couple things: When the trade talk surfaced last offseason, a GM said the problem he had with Campbell is that he didn't like his instincts. Liked his toughness and accuracy, but wasn't sure his instincts would ever allow him to be more than average. It's why Denver did not want him; they preferred Kyle Orton or even Cleveland's Brady Quinn ahead of Campbell.
Two years ago, I spoke with a handful of people around the league -- from DB coaches on other teams to GMs and scouts -- about whether or not Campbell would be a good fit in the offense. Ironically, the only dissenting voice I heard was one of Campbell's teammates, who worried that the short quick passes, requiring instant decisions, did not fit him. Others thought his athleticism would compensate. Clearly that hasn't been the case. I've heard that Gibbs remains confident in Campbell, but not sure what he thinks of him in the West Coast offense.
Here's a link to the Casserly piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTqk4Du4-wM
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